WHITTIER - One of the city's art houses, The Gallery, came about from happenstance.
Rick Rinaldi, owner of The Gallery, said customers coming into his other business, The Framery, thought the adjacent room where he hung the finished products was a gallery.
It soon was.
"I thought why not," said Rinaldi, 52, of Whittier.
That was four years ago.
Now Rinaldi is putting together the Artists Community of Whittier.
He hopes the coalition will bring local artists and galleries together for the benefit of both and the community-at-large.
"I am fortunate to have this space to display artwork," Rinaldi said.
The Framery, which has been at 13105 Whittier Blvd. for 50 years, offers fine art originals,
Non-customers have had their works displayed.Some parents have asked if their children's paintings or photos could be shown.
"There is a lot of talent in Whittier," Rinaldi said. "They are surprised a gallery would be interested in their work."
A couple of artists whose work has been shown are Sue Helms and Ivan Haros, both of Whittier.
Haros, 29, works in oils and has a few paintings currently hanging in The Gallery.
"It's been wonderful having a place to show my work," he said. "Rick has been very supportive."
Haros, who's been seriously honing his craft the past two years, is an impressionistic painter.
He is an advocate of the ACW.
"It's a great idea," Haros said. "Trying to expand awareness of the arts in Whittier and other local communities is important."
He admires Rinaldi's efforts.
"Not too many people would take the time to do this," Haros said.
Helms is another supporter.
The former elementary school teacher, who creates mosaics out of beads, broken glass and "anything that doesn't move," said the coalition is a good idea.
"It would be a great support system for artists," Helms said.
She applauded Rinaldi's work on behalf of local artists.
"It's great to get affirmation on what you are doing as an artist," said Helms, 59. "It says, `you're a real artist."'
For information on the ACW, call (562) 693-5714.
562-698-0955, ext. 3029
